We started the year with a solemn commitment to be in cadence with God’s will. To do this, we must remember that our plans must be a result of our fervent prayers. Worshipping God will be our preoccupation instead of worthless worrying. Honestly, we cannot do this on our own strength . . . we need help. God is our gracious helper and through His people, we continually remind and stir each other to prayer instead of panic. Congregational gathering for prayer is still a priority of our church. Here we learn to pause when God says wait. It is also in prayer that we learn not to delay when God says `go’.
Like James, we all learn to say “If the Lord wants” . . . not as a dutiful religious chant or cliché but rather from a heart that eagerly desires to do what God wants! This is neither an easy task nor will it be smooth. When we want God’s peace or calm, we will be open to God’s disturbances in our own lives. For us to learn not to trust in our own plans, whether it be in the business world or in ministry, we relinquish to God our addiction to always be in control. We do not put things in our own hands and do it on our own time.
To walk in this direction, we really need the guidance of the Holy Spirit to lead us in whichever way He wants. When things get so complicated and demanding, we focus on Jesus so we will not drift from simple faith. Promptly, we pray whenever we are tempted to succumb to panic and pressure. We let His word be our guide and not man’s opinion about His words. It is here that I ask you to pray for God’s wisdom for me as I continue to prioritize prayer and the study of God’s word. Along with this is my appeal that we all make time for our spiritual nourishment by taking time to worship and pray more fervently. As we partake of communion today, let us make time to really wait, wonder and worship the Lord that we all may live worry-free lives.
“If the Lord wants” . . . not a slogan but a principle in life living a God-centered faith!
Prayerfully,
REV. ARNEL C. TAN
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